CATERING students in Halton were treated to a chocolate making masterclass.

Award winning chocolatier Paul Williams, of Choc Amor, demonstrated his talents at Riverside College.

The workshop was part of a series of events and activities to celebrate visitor economy week 2017.

Budding chefs were fascinated to watch different curry infused truffles being created.

The master chocolatier inspired them about a range of possible career options.

This year’s programme aimed to give students a taste of what life can be like working in hospitality, retail, travel and tourism.

The menu at the college’s Scholar’s Restaurant on Kingsway was designed around north west specialities.

Bury scotch eggs, Lancashire hotpot with braised red cabbage, Cumberland sausage with wholegrain mustard mash and Chester steamed pudding were among the dishes on offer.

Ian Brimelow, executive chef at Halton Council shared his knowledge as he worked in the training kitchen alongside trainees.

Students also had a masterclass at Costa Coffee in Widnes where they learned the tricks of the barista trade.

The young chefs were challenged to prepare a luxurious gala dinner at the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool with students from across the region. Riverside students Jason Biddulph and Lea Cousins created delicate canapés and a starter course of salmon and smoked mackerel.

Pupils from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College joined them for a pancake cook off challenge experimenting with multi coloured batter mixes and toppings.

Students also discovered how to make frosted flowers and made a start on learning a new language in basic French classes.

Joanna Leather, Centre of Excellence in hospitality and catering tutor said: “The events have provided our students with lots of new skills and created brand new links within the local industry.

“I would like to thank the guest chefs and industry speakers who joined us to help offer our students the best experience and opportunities possible.”